How does sustainable land management combat desertification caused by climate change?

Sustainable land management combats desertification by promoting practices that conserve soil, water, and biodiversity.

Desertification is a significant environmental issue, particularly exacerbated by climate change. It refers to the degradation of land in arid, semi-arid, and dry sub-humid areas, primarily due to human activities and climatic variations. Sustainable land management (SLM) is a crucial strategy in combating this issue. SLM involves the use of land resources, including soil, water, animals and plants, for the production of goods to meet changing human needs, while simultaneously ensuring the long-term productive potential of these resources and the maintenance of their environmental functions.

One of the key ways SLM combats desertification is through soil conservation. This involves practices such as contour ploughing, terracing, and agroforestry, which help to reduce soil erosion and maintain soil fertility. For instance, contour ploughing involves ploughing across a slope following its elevation contour lines. These contour lines create a water break which reduces the formation of rills and gullies during times of heavy water run-off; which is a major cause of soil erosion.

Water conservation is another critical aspect of SLM. Techniques such as rainwater harvesting, the use of drought-resistant crops, and efficient irrigation systems can help to conserve water and make the most of available resources. These practices not only help to maintain the productivity of the land but also improve its resilience to drought and other climatic extremes.

Furthermore, SLM promotes biodiversity conservation. Biodiversity plays a crucial role in maintaining the health and productivity of ecosystems. Practices such as crop rotation, intercropping, and the use of cover crops can help to maintain and enhance biodiversity, which in turn improves soil health and productivity.

Lastly, SLM also involves the sustainable management of livestock. Overgrazing is a significant cause of desertification, and SLM practices such as rotational grazing can help to prevent this. Rotational grazing involves moving livestock between pastures (often called paddocks) on a regular basis to prevent overgrazing and allow pastures time to recover.

In conclusion, sustainable land management is a multifaceted approach that combats desertification by promoting practices that conserve soil, water, and biodiversity, and manage livestock sustainably. By doing so, it helps to maintain the productivity and resilience of land, thereby mitigating the impacts of climate change.